January 2009
 
OREGON ZOO EXPERT INVITES PUBLIC TO EXPLORE EXOTIC BELIZE
Zoo conservation manager leads 11-day tour of rain forests, beaches, ancient ruins

PORTLAND, OR -- Those looking for a Caribbean adventure or desiring to traverse through rain forests can explore travel opportunities at the Oregon Zoo's Wild World Tours program and go on an 11-day adventure through Belize. Zoo Conservation Manager Anne Warner will lead the tour, which takes place March 1-11, 2009.

"For a tiny country, Belize contains a vast wealth of natural history and cultural interest," Warner said. "There are so many diverse opportunities in Belize. There are lush rain forests, beautiful rivers, and the jungle-veiled ruins of Caracol." Tour participants can also observe more than 300 bird species, and swim and snorkel along the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. This trip provides ample opportunity to observe wildlife and to relax on Caribbean beaches. The 11-day expedition costs $3,595 per person, and includes accommodations and meals, English-speaking guides, and transportation within Belize and Guatemala.

Animals that may be observed during the trip include howler monkey, violaceous trogons, basilisk lizards, gray foxes, ocelots, toucan, aracaris and possibly even king vultures.

International airfare from Portland to Belize City is currently available for $695 roundtrip including taxes and fees. This fare is subject to change and has been published as high as $800 within the past month; those interested are encouraged to contact International Expeditions to book airline reservations while reduced fares are available.

For more information, please contact Sharley LaMora at 503-525-4234 or sharley.lamora@oregonzoo.org. Registration deadline for the tour is Jan. 1, 2009.

The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Washington's pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, Oregon spotted frogs and western pond turtles. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus No. 63. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561. Oregon Zoo " 4001 SW Canyon Rd. " Portland, Oregon 97221 " 503-226-1561

Jaguar - Photo by Mason Fischer, courtesy of International Expeditions
A jaguar peers up from the rain-forest floor. The spotted cat is one of many exotic creatures that may be glimpsed during the Oregon Zoo's 11-day guided adventure through Belize in March. Photo by Mason Fischer, courtesy of International Expeditions.